Bill > S06116

This bill imposes a new duty on mental health practitioners in New York State to take reasonable steps to protect potential victims when a patient communicates a serious, imminent threat of harm. The bill defines mental health practitioners broadly to include licensed physicians, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, nurse practitioners, and clinical social workers. When a patient directly communicates a threat that demonstrates both a serious intent and ability to cause harm to themselves or a specific person, the practitioner may take actions such as modifying treatment, initiating hospitalization, notifying potential victims, or alerting law enforcement. The bill provides protection for practitioners who make disclosure decisions in good faith, ensuring they cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for such actions. Importantly, the bill also includes a caveat that practitioners are not required to take any action that would endanger themselves or potentially increase danger to victims. This legislation aims to balance patient confidentiality with public safety by giving mental health professionals clear guidelines for intervention in potentially dangerous situations.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6116